ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The sounds of chattering children, musical instruments and teachers instructing students echoed through the halls of Atlantic City’s Brighton Avenue School. With the creak of the front doors opening, the noise level dipped as Airmen from the New Jersey Air National Guard entered the building.
The five Airmen, representing Joint Force Headquarters, the 108th Wing, and the 177th Fighter Wing, all came together to participate in Read Across America.
Founded by the National Education Association, Read Across America coincides around the time of renowned children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2, and features military and community members coming together to read to children in local schools.
The Airmen were greeted by Courtney Mitchell, who acted as the teacher-military liaison.
“It means so much to the kids to have the National Guard here,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell then led the Airmen to the classrooms where they would be reading to students.
Tech. Sgt. Archie Mason lightened the mood with a short question-and-answer session before he began reading, asking students if they liked books as much as their siblings.
“To come out and talk to the children is really great,” said Mason, a recruiter with the 177th Fighter Wing. “I have older children, so I really don’t get a chance to sit down and have these interactions, so it’s nostalgic for me, but, more importantly, the children, the looks on their faces, the surprise; it’s amazing to be a part of that type of transaction.”
Airman 1st Class Hannah Bartlett, an administrator from the 108th Wing, read Peggy Rathmann’s “Officer Buckle and Gloria” to Tayler Adams’ fifth-grade class. After she finished, Bartlett answered student’s questions on everything from military food to what adventures she had been on.
“I went to Guam with the Wing,” said Bartlett. “That was fun, but it was a lot of hard work.”
Tech. Sgt. Janeen MacGray, from New Jersey Joint Force Headquarters, was overwhelmed with all of the smiles she faced as she read to the second graders.
“It meant a lot to see how much they enjoyed listening,” said MacGray. “It’s a very rewarding feeling.”
“You know they’re getting something out of it, and at the same time we’re getting something out of it,” said Mason. “It was a great experience.”
In New Jersey, Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard volunteer to participate in these events. The Department of Defense encourages all members of the armed services to participate in the Read Across America program.
Each Airman received a card from their classroom signed by the students thanking them for their time and for promoting literacy.